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CUSA Championship: Underdogs Clash for NCAA Berth
14 Mar
Summary
- Two non-top-tier CUSA teams meet for the conference championship.
- AJ Bates delivered crucial high-scoring performances in prior games.
- Louisiana Tech's defense is strong, but offense relies on Bates.
Neither Louisiana Tech nor Kennesaw State occupied the top standings in the CUSA this season. However, these two teams have unexpectedly reached the conference championship game, with a spot in the NCAA Tournament at stake. The two squads split their regular-season series, making Saturday's contest the ultimate decider.
AJ Bates has emerged as the driving force for Louisiana Tech's journey to the final. He recorded 29 points in the quarterfinal against Middle Tennessee and followed up with a 27-point performance in the semifinal against Missouri State. Another similar outing from Bates could make Louisiana Tech a difficult opponent to overcome.
Louisiana Tech has been characterized by strong defense throughout the season, ranking 53rd nationally in defensive efficiency, though their offense has been a struggle. In the tournament, AJ Bates has shouldered the offensive load effectively. If they maintain their lockdown defense and Bates continues his scoring prowess, Louisiana Tech possesses the ideal combination for victory.
